PESHAWAR, Dec 18: Low gas pressure and loadshedding in slum areas of the provincial metropolis has caused serious problems for the consumers who say that the officials of Sui Northern Gas Pipelines (SNGPL) are not taking action on their complaints.

Mushtaq Ahmed, a resident of Hazarkhwani, said on Sunday that the gas supply in their area remained suspended for most of time and consumers might not pay their bills if the situation persisted.

“Preparation of the breakfast has become a serious problem, as the gas supply is suspended early in the morning,” he said.

He said that gas loadshedding was a regular feature in winter every year and despite repeated requests the officials were not ready to replace the existing pipelines and manage the affairs of the utility.

Haqnawaz of Gharibabad said that the gas supply was hardly restored for two hours during the day and night and the people had to seek alternative sources for cooking purposes. “The poor daily wage workers can’t afford the Liquefied Petroleum Gas and firewood because of their higher prices,” he said.

He said that the residents of nearby localities, including Haider Shah Town, Sardar Ahmed Jan Colony, Ittehad Colony and Afghan Colony, were also affected by the gas loadshedding. He said that the government had banned new gas connections, but even then the utility could not solve the problems of existing consumers.

“Low gas pressure is a real problem in our area,” said another consumer Saeed of Dalazak Road. He said that the residents had switched off the geysers so that supply could be ensured to the kitchens, but despite that they faced pressure problem.

The local SNGPL officials could not be approached for comment. However, an official at the helpline (in Lahore) said that there was no loadshedding orders for Peshawar region and the low pressure might be due to some local fault.